The way the game should be played

John Stockton – The Reluctant Superstar

The release John Stockton’s autobiography “Assisted,” to the public on Tuesday, October 29th kick-starts a much anticipated week in Utah Jazzland that concludes with the Jazz tipping off the 2013-14 regular season Wednesday night against the Thunder at Energy Solutions Arena.

Two passionate Jazz writers were able to obtain advanced copies and for some terrific early insight into the book, check out reviews by Moni on Jazzfanatical and Diana on SLC Dunk. (UPDATE 10/29/13: Click HERE for a complete SLC Dunk review).

As someone who has an entire book shelf filled with Utah Jazz media guides, magazines and books (including useless items such as this), I would probably buy a grocery list if it was written by John Stockton. With that said, the early-reviews make me particularly excited for this rare glimpse into the life and career of one of the most unique personalities in NBA history.

Most NBA superstars have had their careers and lives documented and promoted by either themselves or others (Karl Malone for example has been featured in Beyond the Glory and Sportscentury documentaries) in some way, shape or form. For John Stockton, one of the most reserved and private superstars in all of professional sports, this book offers a rare public look into an often private professional career.

As a 6-1 point guard out of Gonzaga (back when very few outside of Washington had even heard of the Zags) who was cut from the 1984 Olympic basketball team and would go on to win two Olympic gold medals, face-off against the greatest player of all time in two NBA Finals, and play 19 NBA seasons in the NBA’s golden era where he became the league’s all-time leader in assists and steals – one can only imagine the collection of Stockton stories on tap.

While it’s highly doubtful Stockton will throw any former teammate under the bus the way many retired celebrities do to generate publicity and sell copies, the book still figures to be a gold mine of insight because Stockton has so often shied away from sharing his thoughts, memories and experiences to the public.

The “Forward” was written by Hall-of-Fame running-mate Karl Malone and co-authored by Kerry Pickett – Stockton’s grade-school coach in Spokane, Washington and apparent confident.

To see a cameo by Kerry Pickett, here is an “NBA on NBC” feature done profiling the off-court life and demeanor of John Stockton – which aired during the 1998-99 Postseason:

While the clip did include interviews with some of John’s closest friends and family from Spokane, in typical Stockton fashion there was no sit-down interview with John himself. As was so often the case throughout his 19-year NBA career, Stockton allowed everyone else to do the talking about him. He won’t be doing that with this book, and that’s precisely why you should buy it.

John Stockton’s “Assisted: An Autobiography” can be purchased here on Amazon.

Best Power Forward Ever Trivia:

Karl Malone age 36:
82 games
25.5 pts per game
9.5 reb per game
3.7 ast per game
51% FG shooting

Tim Duncan age 36:
69 games
17.8 pts per game
9.9 reb per game
2.7 ast per game
50% FG shooting

John Stockton: Ironman

Played every single game in 17 of his 19 NBA seasons.

"All you can do is prepare your best and lay it all out there."
-John Stockton

The NBA’s Best Shooting Backcourt

John Stockton & Jeff Hornacek
1994-2000

Stockton:
FG: 53%
FT: 83%
3PT: 41%

Hornacek:
FG: 49%
FT: 90%
3PT: 43%
-2-Time 3pt Contest Champion

Jerry Sloanisms

"We can't put a diaper on him one day, and a jockstrap on him the next."

"If you get [in] an ice pick fight out in the parking lot, then you have to try to solve that problem."

"You know, you can't jackpot around and get better."

"I was glad DeShawn tried to knock [Ricky Davis] down. They can put me in jail or whatever they want for saying that but that's the way it is."

"...losing a player - you can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can go play the game and try to get somebody else ready to play."

"As long as it's (confrontation) long-distance it's not a problem. That's usually what I deal with - guys long-distance, whenever they get up closer I don't have a problem with it."

"I'll fight you all night long, but I won't turn my back. I'll look you right in the face and take it right down the pipe and that's what I expect my players to do."

Quotable Hot Rod

"A gentle push, a mild arc - the ole cowhide globe hits home!"

"Horny for three!"

"Stockton-to-Malone at their ever-lovin best!"

"Stockton-to-Malone...hammer dunk!" (on an actual hammer dunk)

"Good if it goes it's gone! Count it and the foul!"

"Stock yo-yo's from the angle left..."

"...leapin-leaner..."

"You gotta love it, baby!"

Fisher Lied (again)

"From the time Derek was here (Nov 29th, 2012) to his signing with OKC (Feb 26, 2013), his kids are older, they can deal with things better. So I understand him having more comfort in being away from them."
...
"Usually when you help somebody, you expect some semblance of loyalty back. So when you don't get it, it's more disappointing."
-Mark Cuban